Intestinal worms- trichinosis Custom Search Trichinosis is caused by a worm called Trichinella spiralis which is commonly found in pigs and other meat eating animals. Man can get infected by eating undercooked meat containing live larvae. When swallowed these larvae mature into adult worms which start producing hundreds of larvae. These larvae penetrate the intestinal wall, enter the blood stream and reach skeletal muscles. They grow in the muscles for some time and ultimately form cysts. Symptoms and signs: Mild infection can be asymptomatic, with heavy infection abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea occur when the larvae penetrate the intestine. Later there may be fever, swelling of eyelids, pain in the muscles and weakness. Apart from skeletal muscles the larvae may invade other organs like diaphragm, lungs, kidneys, spleen, heart and brain. Severe involvement of heart or brain in trichinosis may be fatal. Laboratory findings: The number of eosinophils in blood is markedly elevated. Specific antibodies may be demonstrated. Muscle biopsy can reveal the encysted larvae. Life cycle of trichenella. Click on the graphic for more images
Treatment: Mebendazole is effective against the worm. Prevention: Meat should be cooked well up to 65 degree to kill the larvae. Being a vegetarian provides complete protection. Visceral larva migransVisceral larva migrans is caused by a worm Toxocara which primarily infects dogs and cats. There are two species-Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. The eggs are passed in the feces of these animals and contaminate the soil. Children playing outside can get easily infected by these eggs. Ingested eggs hatch releasing larvae which penetrate the intestinal wall, enter the bloodstream and invade many organs like liver, lungs and eyes. Inside the organs the larvae die and evoke an inflammatory reaction. Life cycle of toxocara
Symptoms and signs: Usual symptoms are fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and cough. Involvement of brain can cause seizures. Invasion of eyes can produce an inflammatory mass. Laboratory findings: Eosinophils are increased in blood. Liver enzymes may be elevated. ELISA test is available for specific diagnosis. Treatment: Drugs used in the treatment of toxocariasis are Thiabendazole, Mebendazole, Albendazole and Diethylcarbamazine. Prevention: Pet animals should be regularly dewormed. Custom Search
Page last reviewed on 4th October 2010
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